Uncertainty continues in J&K, PDP holding meetings in Srinagar, Jammu

Asked whether the BJP would accept fresh demands from PDP, Kaul replied, “We won’t accept any fresh demands”.

“It does not serve any objective if we can not implement this document that was reached between two parties – one headed by the Prime Minister who has a massive mandate at national level and the other by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as leader of the single largest party of the state”, the PDP leader added.

Even as suspense continues over next government formation, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s family has vacated the official bungalow of the Chief Minister here, leading to questions as to what his daughter and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti could be up to.

“The Agenda of Alliance (AoA), which was framed by PDP and BJP past year, is complete”, J&K BJP general secretary (organisation) Ashok Kaul told Express.

Speaking to The Hindu, senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said the party was yet to finalise its position on the extension of the NIA act in the State.

Among several points of departure between PDP and BJP, Mehbooba is particularly miffed with the Centre’s rejection of the transfer of two power projects, Dulhasti at Kishtwar and Uri in Baramulla.

“She has a long political career ahead which can not be staked for immediate power unless she fulfils the promises made to the people and the aspirations they attached to the stewardship of an experienced politician like Mufti sahib”, said a party source, adding she needs assurances on resumption of talks with separatists, vacation of lands occupied by the army and return of power projects to state ownership.

Governor N N Vohra has started tightening his laces to run the government.

The BJP was foxed with the PDP ” s list as Mehbooba has yet to get herself elected as leader of her legislature party, a necessary step to become chief minister.

Lending credence to this is the PDP ” s announcement that no discussions on government formation will be discussed during the party meeting called in Srinagar on January 31.

The official cars and personal staff of the ministers were already withdrawn by the State after the imposition of the Governor’s rule on 8th January, 2016.

Yesterday, he made a decision to set the ball rolling for holding elections to local bodies by discussing the matter with political parties. “We have chosen our leader”, Khanna said. While at first Mehbooba Mufti had stayed away as she was in mourning later on the ante was upped with fresh demands being sent out. He did not say why government formation was taking time. “This all is for the benefit of the people of the state”.